Big Sis's Layover in Philly

Work is picking up in Philly, just a little, which means soon I will no longer have endless amounts of time to roam around the city. This week began this new schedule so I was excited to schedule a few parents on Wednesday so I don't do my usual ritual of being a total waste. I had a nice little day planned out, tidy up the apartment and do my weekly grocery shopping in the morning, work in the afternoon, and then check out a women's group event in the evening. Well on Monday morning my lovely older sister called to say that she was having a layover in Philly all day on Wednesday. She flies international and hasn't had one here in nine years so we were all confused about this but happy at the same time. Of course it was the first Wednesday that I was working, so I quickly dropped as many plans as I could in order to maximize my time with her. On Tuesday night she was staying in a hotel in the heart of center city, a good walk away. We agreed that she would come to my apartment in the morning and we would head out for brunch.

We walked to Queen's Village, a neighborhood just below South Street. I wanted her to choose from two restaurants I knew about but hadn't been to. First, we walked to the Fitzwater Cafe, a quiet cafe located on the sunny corner of 7th St and Fitzwater St. We headed in and after seeing the cappuccino machine and  french bistro tables, we decided to have a seat. 

My sister and I have very different palettes. So once we chose a table by the window, we started to check out our breakfast choices. This menu was more my style; pancakes, french toast, bacon, eggs, cheese, and toast. Plain, simple, yummy. Big sis didn't agree and I knew without even asking her. Instead we ordered some coffees and split an almond croissant, leaving room for a real brunch.

After catching up over some coffee, we headed back out to the streets in search of the Morning Glory Diner.  After walking the few blocks through Bella Vista, we arrived at the "finer diner". We were greeted by our hipster waitress and chose a table outside. She handed us a fancier version of our previous brunch menu, this time we were both happy with the choices. As we waited for our food, we overheard our table neighbors talking about the diner being on TLC, we didn't order the monkey bread, but something to remember for next time.

Big sis again pointed out that the restaurants we go to always have such an alternative crowd and staff. Most of those places have been in this neighborhood but I realized she was right. This might be a unique factoid about Philly.

 I ran off to work and Big sis headed to the Reading Terminal Market and Macy's for some afternoon shopping, while I slaved away.  Later on we met in Midtown Village and walked around checking out menus. We finally decided on Zavino Wine Bar Pizzeria. Enough said.We were able to sit outside, enjoy the beautiful weather, and each other's company. Big sis had to wake up at 4am so I enjoyed some Prosecco on my own. We had delicious pizzas and wonderful conversation. Whenever someone visits me in Philly, I remember how much I love living here. It makes such a difference when I have close friends to drag around the city with me.

Isn't she a beauty?

While we were at Zavino I spotted an advertisement on their black board for a fall festival this weekend. I made a note to self to check out this festival (hello fall!). Today, one of my sorority sisters who lives here asked me to go. Perfect!